The Pittsburgh Penguins will be looking to make some major moves this summer. Pittsburgh has surprised many around the league by firmly being in a playoff spot at the moment. This comes after the club endured a disappointing 2024-25 campaign a year ago. While they are headed for the postseason, the Penguins are likely a few pieces short of contending for the Cup.
The upcoming offseason, however, could be a crucial period for the club. According to PuckPedia.com, Pittsburgh has the most projected cap space in the entire league heading into the 2026-27 season. At the moment, GM Kyle Dubas will have several roster spots to fill this summer. Nevertheless, the substantial amount of cap space means that he can take some big swings in free agency and via trades.
It was previously revealed that the Penguins will be involved in the Jason Robertson sweepstakes if he becomes available. The Dallas Stars forward is set to become a restricted free agent following the current campaign. Dallas prefers to keep the superstar, but the two sides have yet to agree to an extension. As a result, Dubas is keeping a close eye on Robertson.
Another potential summer target is New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck. The Athletic’s Vince Mercogliano recently revealed that Pittsburgh showed interest in the veteran ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. Although a deal never materialized, the Penguins could very well circle back for Trocheck in the offseason.
Pittsburgh Penguins Named a Top Landing Spot for Vincent Trocheck
GettyVincent Trocheck was a key part of Team USA’s triumph at the recent Olympics.
Bleacher Report’s Joe Yerdon has now specifically named the Penguins as one of Trocheck’s top summer landing spots. According to the reporter, the possible deal makes sense for multiple reasons. First of all, Pittsburgh could certainly use some reinforcements through the middle of the ice.
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are obvious first-ballot Hall of Famers, but they are both edging towards retirement. Crosby will be 39 and in his final year under contract when the 2026-27 season begins. Malkin, assuming he extends his stay in the Steel City, will turn 40 before the next campaign.
Although Trocheck is not exactly a youngster, he would potentially be in place as a veteran leader once the two aging superstars hang up their skates. The Rangers star’s $5.62 million AAV cap hit would also be very manageable for the Penguins. Dubas would still have plenty of money leftover to work with and address other roster needs.
Pittsburgh has Attractive Draft Picks, Prospects to Make a Move
If the Penguins maintain their interest in Trocheck, they will have to come up with a suitable trade offer to New York. It was recently reported that the Rangers turned down a reasonable offer for the center from the Minnesota Wild. According to Mercogliano, the proposed deal likely included a first-round draft pick, Minnesota’s number two prospect, Charlie Stramel, and a young defenseman.
It remains to be seen if Pittsburgh, or any other team for that matter, can top the blocked offer this summer. Nevertheless, the Penguins are loaded with future draft picks and have a solid prospect pool to help facilitate a significant trade. Trocheck, a Pittsburgh native, would likely welcome a move back home in the near future.
Penguins Expected to Target Rangers Star This Summer